Officials grant Grade II* protection to ‘rare building that raises more questions than it answers’
It is an elite list with some of the most significant and beautiful buildings and structures in England, including Battersea power station, Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge and the London Coliseum.
Now the Grade II* landmarks are being joined by a mysterious, limestone rubble “barn” on a grassy knoll in the Lake District, which was most recently used as a shelter for sheep and cows.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said it was awarding listed status to a building known as Henry’s Castle on the advice of Historic England. Only 5.8% of listed buildings are at grade II* level, meaning they offer “more than special interest”.
Research has revealed that Henry’s Castle has the hallmarks of a high-status building and could date back as far as the 14th century. It has been used as a field barn but what its original purpose was is not known.
